Plan A Perfect Last-Minute Winter Vacation To Any Of These Beautiful US Destinations

One of the best things about traveling in the United States is that there are so many great destinations to explore. The country is so large that it has ten different climate zones. A good portion of the massive North American nation experiences four seasons. Winter can be quite dreary in colder parts of the country, but it is an ideal time to travel. The summer season is popular among tourists, but winter is the perfect time to book a relaxing getaway, whether you're escaping the snow, or embracing it. There's no reason to spend the entire season binge-watching shows on the couch with a bad case of cabin fever when there are so many incredible destinations to enjoy around the nation. And planning a last-minute trip in the U.S. can be easier than traveling to a distant country. 

If you're in the mood to escape the cold and spend a week somewhere where the sun is always shining, head to one of the gorgeous coastal destinations. You can relax on white sand beaches until you forget what season it is back home. If you're someone who enjoys charming small towns and mountain scenery, the Blue Ridge Mountains are calling your name. Nightlife abounds in historic cities, and snow covered slopes await winter sports enthusiasts. No matter what kind of travel you prefer, you'll find plenty of options across the U.S.

Your biggest challenge in planning a winter getaway in the United States will likely be deciding where to go, so we researched a dozen destinations around the nation, based on popularity and online reviews from locals and tourists. We narrowed the options down to five of the best winter destinations to help you plan the perfect last-minute winter vacation.

Colorado is located in the Western part of the United States and is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. It's home to several stunning national parks. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most popular, and one of the most-visited parks in the entire country. The majestic Rocky Mountain Range cuts right through the state and it looks like a winter wonderland during the winter months. Colorado enjoys a lot of snow and there are some epic ski destinations that are must-visits for a winter getaway.

If you've been dreaming of a luxurious ski trip, you don't have to travel all the way to the Alps. Colorado is home to multiple world-class winter resort towns. Breckenridge and Aspen are two of the most popular choices, but smaller resort towns like Steamboat Springs, Winter Park, Telluride, and Crested Butte are equally beautiful.

Within the ski towns you'll find plenty of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to rustic lodges and private ski-in vacation rentals. The charming streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy the "après-ski" lifestyle. Aspen has its own airport where you can fly directly, but most domestic and international travelers arrive at Denver International Airport and rent a car. Just make sure to book something with all-wheel drive if you plan on exploring the mountains, as snow and ice are common. Expect to spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars for a weeklong ski trip. The total cost will vary based on your group size, accommodations, and how many days you plan to ski.

If you're someone who loves to watch campy romantic comedies throughout the holiday season, and you're longing for a little real-life winter magic then you should definitely plan a winter trip to North Carolina. The southern state is home to some charming small towns that will have you feeling as though you've stumbled straight into a storybook.

Asheville, North Carolina, is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains and makes an excellent home base for exploring all that the region has to offer. The small city has some wonderful shopping, beautiful hotels, and great restaurants. The Biltmore Estate is a must-visit spot, especially during the holidays — and was the actual filming location for the fun Hallmark movie, "A Biltmore Christmas." It was originally constructed by the Vanderbilt family in the late 1800s. The Gilded Age mansion is an American equivalent to the breathtaking castles around Europe. 

After spending some time taking in the sites in Asheville, rent a car and explore the adorable small towns nearby. Black Mountain has a bohemian vibe with breweries and art galleries. Brevard is a classic southern mountain town with lovely shops to explore. There are plenty of parks and hiking trails in the area, some beautiful waterfalls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the nation's most iconic scenic driving routes. Reddit user Complete_Mind_5719 recommended Asheville for winter travel on the r/travel subreddit by saying, "nothing beats the smell of the roaring fireplaces while being cozy on a rocking chair at the Grove Park Inn." They added, "you get the snowy Christmas, small town, breweries, hiking, and just a lovely atmosphere." A one-week trip to Asheville for two people costs around $2,200.

If balmy beaches, tropical breezes, and lush tropical forests are your vibe, Hawaii is the perfect place to visit on your winter vacation. The cluster of islands are located about 2,400 miles from the mainland United States in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii was a sovereign nation until it was formerly annexed by the United States in the late 1800s. Despite colonization, the Indigenous islanders have fought hard to maintain their cultural identity.

For decades Hawaii has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and each of the eight main islands have their own unique draw for tourists. Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, is home to sprawling resort complexes and high-end amenities. There are five volcanoes on the Big Island, including Mauna Kea, which is considered sacred by Indigenous people. Kauai is known as the Garden Isle and it's full of beautiful jungles and verdant valleys. Maui, the second largest island, is one of the most popular islands for tourists. It's home to two mountain ranges, and the Road to Hana and Haleakalā National Park are both popular destinations. Oahu is the island where most locals live, and it's also home to Hawaii's capital city, Honolulu.

Surfing, hiking, and other adventurous outdoor activities are all popular pastimes among locals and tourists alike. A one to two week trip to Hawaii for a family can cost between $5,000 and $15,000. If you're curious about how to pick the perfect Hawaiian island for your first visit, check out our helpful guide.

The state of Arizona is located in the Southwestern United States. It's a popular destination during the winter months due to its mild climate. In the summertime, parts of Arizona are scorchingly hot, and visiting can be unbearable for travelers who aren't used to extremely hot and dry environments. During the winter, the weather is ideal. The elevation varies around the state, so temperatures do as well, but the average winter highs are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures drop significantly once the sun sets. Expect cool and crisp nights.

Arizona is home to epic destinations for nature enthusiasts. The Sonoran Desert is a biologically diverse masterpiece full of colorful desert plants and animals. The towering Saguaro cacti, the largest cacti in America, are an iconic symbol of the American southwest, and they're plentiful within Saguaro National Park.

The mystical city of Sedona is another popular tourist destination that's perfect if you're looking for a relaxing getaway. Sedona is home to several "energy vortexes" that many believe possess healing energy. Hiking trails through stunning rock formations are abundant — and so are new age wellness offerings like sound baths, yoga classes, and spiritual retreats. A weeklong solo trip to Arizona can cost around $3,000 if you stay in mid-range accommodations, but it's possible to save money if you camp or stay in budget hotels. "Come to AZ – in one week you can hit Sedona, [the Grand Canyon], Flag[staff], and should be fine driving," suggested Redditor Shepherdless in the r/travel subreddit. "While snow is possible (higher elevations), it is usually pretty light."

Ditch the cold for a gorgeous road trip through the warm-weathered state of Louisiana this winter. The southern state is home to unique small towns, and nature preserves like Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge. It's also home to the lively city of New Orleans. "New Orleans is unlike any city in the world. Historically and culturally," a Redditor called rustprony wrote in their recommendation for winter destinations on the r/travel subreddit. "We just do things different here."

New Orleans is one of the best live music cities in the country, making it a great addition to any music lover's bucket list. When it comes to exciting cities, options in the United States are endless. New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles are a few of the most popular urban destinations for domestic and international tourists in search of nightlife — but if you want to travel somewhere with a unique cultural heritage and an epic music scene, New Orleans is your spot. Catch a show at one of the many iconic historic venues, or visit during Mardi Gras for a truly wild time.

New Orleans is home to spooky haunted spots, historic architecture, unique shops, and mouthwatering Creole and Cajun cuisine. There's something for everyone, and the party never stops. The average cost for two people spending a week in New Orleans is around $3,800.

To formulate our list of perfect last-minute winter vacation destinations, we researched over a dozen different tourist hot spots around the country. We narrowed our list down to five based on customer reviews and popularity. We pulled information from various travel blogs and personal experiences. We also scoured Reddit and travel forums for suggestions from tourists and locals. We chose destinations around the country in order to offer options for different types of travelers.